Moving with kids can be chaotic, but there are steps you can take to simplify the process and make moving a more feasible task.
Moving can be extremely taxing, so it’s essential to find ways to alleviate the stress. If you’re approaching a move with kids and are looking for ways to simplify the process, keep reading for five of our best tips.
1. Explain the Change
Once you’ve decided to move, let your kids know about the news. Hiding the information only makes it more difficult for them to process the change and get the closure they need. Telling your children about the relocation in advance will help them feel more included in the process. After you break the news, answer their questions and help them understand their feelings. Change is hard on everyone, but children cannot often make sense of their emotions. Because of this, they might feel overwhelmed and scared, so help them find reasons to be excited.
2. Start Early
You should always plan ahead for a big move, but you’ll need to start even earlier if kids are involved. Create a moving checklist and calendar and do your best to stick to it. If childcare is needed, make any arrangements as early as possible. Moving with kids can be a disorderly mess, but smart planning will help you stay on top of things.
3. Stick to Routines
Children thrive on repetition and routine. If you’re struggling to maintain structure, here are a few tips:
- Eat meals together at normal times
- Schedule out specific blocks of time to take moving breaks
- Keep your kids on their regular sleep schedule
- Continue to take them to school and extracurricular activities
- Maintain regular playdates and other fun activities whenever possible
Above all, don’t underestimate the weight of small daily routines. Reading a book before bed might seem like a menial task during this stressful time, but upholding these simple consistencies will give your children something comfortable and reliable to hold onto.
4. Give Your Kids Something to Do
Kids love to help out whenever they can, so give them a few moving tasks to keep them busy. If they’re old enough, let your children help with packing, labeling, gathering trash, folding clothes, or sorting through their belongings.
If your kids aren’t old enough to help, provide them with a few activities to keep them preoccupied. Buy them a new coloring book, give them an empty box and a handful of crayons, or surprise them with a new game. Something new will hold your child’s interest for several hours so you can check a few items off your list.
5. Label Everything
Kids handle transitions better when they have access to their favorite belongings and comfort items. Be sure to label and color-coordinate everything to make their favorite items easy to locate.
Let Best of the West Movers Help
Moving with kids is a hectic endeavor, but Best of the West Movers is here to help. Our moving experts can do anything from helping you pack to hauling all of your belongings to your new home. We offer labor-only moves, full-service moving, and even long-distance moves.
We serve cities in Davis and Salt Lake County, Utah, including Layton, Bountiful, Kaysville, South Jordan, Murray, Sandy, and more! Contact us for your free estimate today!
